THINGS literally fell apart for me last week when readers started firing arrows of many gods at me. First, it was a drizzle. Then it erupted into a downpour. And I was no longer at ease, even though I thought I was the man of these great people. I wasn’t too surprised. The Biafran issue is a red button one to the millions who believe only a brand new country is the Promised Land. Here is my candid advice: If you want to comment on the issue of Biafra, prepare for an intellectual warfare. If you support it, you are in trouble, like Wole Soyinka is probably currently finding out. If you oppose it, like Junaid Mohammed, you get into another trouble. If you are smart and try to take a middle road, you would still get into trouble. And if you decide to keep quiet, woe would still betide you.
Today’s column is dedicated to some of the readers’ responses, who accused me of all sorts of things: From belittling the Igbo race to inciting divisions. Then I got calls from all manner of people who lectured me, rebuked me and even prayed for me. I have made new friends too who offered lunches, books and even an all-expenses paid trip to the East so that, in the words of one caller, “your eyes would be open and to cure your blindness.”
I have abridged the responses due to space. Excerpts:
Northerners not shut out in Igboland
I was taken aback by the ignorance you manifested through your piece in which you subtly denigrated Igbo race while claiming to love us. As a columnist, the least I expected from you was a thorough research before commencement of this warped piece on Igbo race. Facts: Northerners have contested and won elections in
Enugu, Imo and some others were given appointments. Northerners were not shut out in trading at Onitsha because there are many commodities that are monopolised by them.
Having Biafra doesn’t mean that all Igbo are to live there. As we live in Togo, Ghana, and other places, we can live in Nigeria. Forget about our properties because we know that Land Use Act does not confer ownership on us but governors and you Northerners don’t want the law to be amended. – Anonymous.
You got it wrong
Your opinion about the Igbo and Biafra relating to the present day is not well informed and rounded. May be for your age. Please, read the book, “In Biafra, Africa Died” by Emefiena Ezeani, page 167. Reference to Lamido Sanusi’s paper at the National Conference. Do I send you a copy?
-Arinze Eze
You should do more research
Having read your tongue-in-cheek love notes and litany of what you were told, it is amazing you visited your love only thrice in your about 40 years on earth. If they did not tell you a Fulani, Alhaji Altine, was Mayor of Enugu in 1956, you need to come do primary research to answer the many puzzles yourself.
Perhaps, you would know reasons young people are not impressed with what you think they stand to lose. Be an investigative and not an armchair journalist. – Enyioha
Don’t make jest of Igbo
Thanks for your love, but it’s too late and useless. Don’t make jest of Igbo. We are not fools that would need your blood-sucking hatred.
You are just afraid of what would happen to you when Igbo leaves. –Anonymous
You make me laugh
You and Ndibe make me buy The Sun on Tuesday because you can make Hitler and Buhari laugh.
–SE Bassey.
I disagree with you
I disagree with you that Igbo exclude other people in markets. That is not true. Make enquiries. The first Mayor of Enugu is Umoru Altine. There have been many appointments in the East that nonIgbo occupy. Investigate. But I agree with you on our thieving governors and the selfishness of our leaders. – Chucks
Kudos for your article
Good day, my dear Bello. And well done on your nice commentaries. I’m happy you are a Catholic and would love to be sending articles through you. –Fr. Evans Offor
There’s Ama Awusa in cities
I have seen how you try to promote, demote, abuse and denigrate the Igbo nation with your write up. That piece is capable of promoting disunity in Nigeria. You said, “I learnt the famed Onitsha market is exclusively designed for Igbo.” What an accusation of the highest order? For I’m aware we have Ama Awusa among the Eastern markets at Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri and Aba.
You have other fake accusations too. Well, you better change your present style of writing so that posterity will favour you. Remain blessed as you heed this advice.
– Hon. Umeh Michael
No other option than separation
My brother, from your article, I want you to know that without justice, equity and fairness, no peace. Based on this, there is no other option than separation, for peace to reign. –Polycarp, PH
Your article touches me
Your story touched me. I did my youth service as a teacher in Mbiya Takum in 1977. I was last in Wukari in 2006. – Anonymous.